Why this podcast?
I decided to revisit this podcast as I think it is such a great resource for pregnant women. The host, Alexia Leachman, overcame tokophobia, an extreme fear of pregnancy and childbirth, and created this podcast to help others in the same situation.

Alexia is a therapist, speaker and pregnancy coach who wrote ”Fearless Birthing: How to have a stress-free pregnancy and a positive fear-free birth”.

Luckily, not too many women will experience tokophobia but many will carry some fears or anxieties surrounding pregnancy and birth. How fantastic that this resource is there to support and help.

How does it look?
Episodes are released once a week and tend to be forty minutes to an hour long with some shorter ones thrown in too.

Episodes have covered areas such as essential steps of birth preparation, the psychology of pregnancy, being pregnant with PTSD, taking responsibility for your birth, fear of pain in birth, tokophobia, Alexia’s positive birth stories and how to prepare partners for childbirth.

Why this episode?
My previous post on this podcast featured the episode Preparing Your Mindset for Birth and I thought that this time, I would feature a more light-hearted episode.

I realise that for some women, those experiencing tokophobia for example or those experiencing extreme fatigue or sickness, the subject of enjoying pregnancy may not be so light-hearted.

There will also be women for whom pregnancy is all sunshine and they may feel they will not benefit from this.

I would ask both these groups of women to keep reading before making deciding whether or not to listen to this episode.

Most women will have times during their pregnancy where they are not enjoying the experience. Maybe they are very nauseous or tired at the beginning or simply a bit fed up at the end.

This episode, although a fun one, helps you to focus on all those positive aspects of pregnancy so that, even on your not so great days, you can look at your list and see the bright side too.

Who should listen to this episode?
All pregnant women.

Make the list on a good day and read it on a bad one.

Even if you never experience moments of feeling down or fed up this exercise can really help in any area of your life where you find yourself focusing only on the negative.

For those of you lucky enough to be one hundred percent happy and healthy through your whole pregnancy, use this list to celebrate that!

I also love the idea of keeping your list or putting it in your baby book as a memory of your pregnancy.

The episode
In the episode, Alexia lists thirty things she loves about being pregnant and shares that coming up with so many definitely requires some out of the box thinking.

I’m going to share ten of them here and I encourage you to listen to the episode to discover the rest and also to come up with your own list.

So, here goes!

#1 – You’re growing a life form!
Alexia points out that that is pretty awe-inspiring and so it is.
Pause occasionally and just revel in that.

#2 – Enjoy the connection with other women
I love this one because I don’t think I would ever have thought about it. There’s something about a pregnant woman that makes her easy to talk to. People feel a connection, especially other women, and they want to reach out.

Enjoy that.

Stop for a moment and have that conversation, share your story and hear theirs.

#3 – Pregnancy is a great excuse to drop the glam
If you enjoy dressing up and doing your hair and makeup then that’s great but for those who find it a bit of a chore, pregnancy may be your time to just drop it.

Alexia says she loved every minute of ‘slumming about’ in leggings, baggy tops, and flats.

#4 – Enjoy people touching your bump
I wasn’t sure whether to include this one or not.
Personally, I did not like this (unless I was close to that person or they asked first) and I would never reach out and touch someone’s baby bump without asking.

However, I liked that Alexia was, in fact, turning something that she had perceived as negative into something positive and in doing so releasing herself from any anger around it.

She decided to enjoy the fact that people were touching her with only the best of intentions. It came from a place of love, connection, and curiosity and not from a sexual or pervy place.

Having said that, I absolutely think that if this is something you don’t like you should say so!

#5 – Take in the view
If you find that pregnancy is forcing you to slow down, literally, enjoy it!
If your growing body means you need to move more slowly use this time to really see things.

Look at the trees, the leaves, the flowers. If nature’s not your thing Alexia suggests taking in other people’s clothes, bags or hairstyles.

It doesn’t matter so much what you are looking at as long as you use this time of slowness to really see.

Be mindful.

#6 – Let the house go
And don’t feel guilty about it.

If you have lots of energy during pregnancy or if the house being super clean and tidy is really important to you then maybe ignore this one.

If you are finding it energy draining and exhausting to keep on top of your usual housework, however, just stop trying.

Ok, so you don’t want to live in a pig sty but ask for help and let your standards slip a little. It’s only a few months and it’s important to listen to your body and be kind to yourself.

#7 – Watch your body transform as nature does its thing
I love this one because it’s so simple and yet so amazing. Your body does transform and it’s really quite magical.

This one is especially good to keep in mind if you are struggling with the idea of your body changing and growing.

Focusing on accepting these changes as necessary and then going a step further and really revelling in those changes may not be easy but if you can do it?

Wow!

#8 – Love the extra love
Of course, your family loves you anyway but there’s something about that pregnant belly that inspires a few extra kisses and cuddles.

Savour them.

#9 – Stay in bed all day
Without feeling lazy! Ok, this one is a bit extreme but listen to your body and if it’s telling you to rest, rest.

# 10 – Having time to do something you love
This one relates specifically to your maternity leave.
Especially if this is your first baby, enjoy those weeks and use them to do something you love doing.

For Alexia that was baking, for me, it was walking, reading and meeting friends for coffee and cake.

Why this podcast?
Another new one this week and I’m super excited to introduce this podcast.
I have to say that since discovering it a few days ago, I have become a little bit addicted.
The Doing It At Home Podcast is honest, real, open and it can be pretty raw too.

The hosts, married couple and health and fitness enthusiasts Matthew and Sarah, take you through their home birth journey.

They are funny, super relaxed and I love that they record their episodes at home, sometimes with some little gurgles and cries from their baby daughter, Maya.

Now, I expect that many of you reading are probably not choosing to have your baby at home but I really encourage you to listen to this podcast anyway.

There is so much you can take away from it and apply to any kind of pregnancy and birth journey.

Matthew and Sarah do not push home birth at any point. They are simply sharing, in a very open way, their decision and their experience.

I have found this podcast a joy to listen to and so many things that come up will come up for you no matter what kind of birth you are planning.

The hosts themselves freely admit that they had never really considered having a home birth and that the words home birth brought up images for them of hippies living in the woods, showering too little and living on granola.

They were going firmly down the route of doctor-led hospital care until they were well into their second trimester.

At that point, they started to think seriously about how they wanted birth to look for them and they realised that many of the aspects that they didn’t want would be typical for a hospital birth and that many of the things they did want would fit well with a home birth.

They did their research, talked to experienced people and made an informed choice that was right for them.

This podcast is their story.

How does it look?
Episodes are released anywhere from one to three times a week. An average episode probably lasts around thirty minutes but the length can vary quite a bit.

Earlier episodes focus very much on Matthew and Sarah’s home birth journey, from their decision to issues with family and friends and the home birth itself.

Later, they interview other families who have chosen home birth and share their stories as well as including episodes on what not to say to a home birth mama, a raw conversation about new motherhood, celebrities who chose home birth, taboo subjects of birth and motherhood, postpartum sex and Matthew and Sarah celebrating one year of parenthood to name but a handful.

Why this episode?
I said earlier that I feel there are so many great things to take away from Sarah and Matthew’s experience, no matter what kind of birth you are planning for.

Whether you intend to meet your little one at home, hospital or in a birth centre, having the right people to support you during labour and birth is key.

Who should listen to this episode?
Everyone who is expecting a baby, partners included.

The episode
Sarah and Matthew are pretty good talkers and are occasionally guilty of using ten words when one would do (but hey, who isn’t?). I don’t find this particularly annoying however as I love how they let their conversations flow and are so refreshingly open about all aspects of their experience.

So, what are their top five tips for choosing your birth team?

#1 – You can’t have too few people….but you can definitely have too many
Where you are planning on giving birth will definitely have an impact on how many people you can have in the room but this is an important one to keep in mind and a good jumping off point.

You want all your bases covered in terms of support but you don’t want your birth to turn into a circus.

Think carefully, choose wisely.

#2 – Think roles, not people
This piece of advice is golden. When you are choosing your birth support team try not to think of who you want there but rather what kind of roles you want to be filled.

For instance, Sarah and Matthew decided that, in addition to their midwives, they wanted the following roles filled at their home birth:

– Two doula figures. One to focus purely on Sarah (in their case someone who was very relaxed and calm but with a powerful, feminine energy) and one to be there for Matthew. The partner needs taking care of too if they are going to be an ongoing source of support to the birthing woman.

– One person to document the labourand birth by taking notes, photographs and videos. This is something you won’t regret doing. You can always delete certain images afterwards but most people really treasure being able to look back on and take in moments that they may have missed during the intensity of birth itself.

– One person to take care of their dogs. In this case that was Matthew’s mum who was not only incredibly supportive of their home birth but was also a nurse. You might want someone to be there to look after your older children.

They then thought carefully about which of their friends and family would best fill those roles and that is who they invited to be there.

That way they didn’t end up with a lot of people who might be more spectators than a support team.

#3 – Decide on your criteria
After deciding on the roles they wanted to be filled, Sarah and Matthew also sat down and, very objectively, thought about the kind of atmosphere they wanted for their home birth.

For instance, they only wanted those there who would bring positive, uplifting energy and therefore anyone who was fearful, negative or even neutral about home birth would not be present.

This included Sarah’s mum who carried a lot of fear about home birth.

They also only wanted people present who could step into a support or coaching role at any point.

I believe this links to the fact that they also decided that every member of their team should have experienced birth, either having birthed a baby themselves or been present at a birth.

This eliminated Mathews younger sister who desperately wanted to be there. However, having never been at a birth, Matthew and Sarah knew that however much love she had for them and their baby she would probably take more of a spectator role than a coaching one.

#4 – Stick to your guns
Leaving out friends or family who you love and who love you can be hard but it is so important to think objectively about how you want your birth to be and who will be able to support you in that, wholeheartedly.

Having set criteria means that you can explain to those who are not invited that it is not something personal but simply that these things are important to you and that is why they will not be present.

#5 – You can’t make everyone happy
This relates to the last tip but I felt it was important enough to have its own number.

“It’s your day, it’s your baby, it’s your birth”

Being comfortable and relaxed and feeling loved, supported and safe are vital elements for a smooth birth so this is not just about doing things your own way for the sake of it.

You will never get to experience this birth again and you will remember it forever.

To wrap up
This episode not only has great tips for when you are deciding who will support your birth but is also a great example of what this podcast is all about.

Matthew and Sarah do not try to sway you into home birth or suggest that these are the roles you should have as part of your support team.

They are simply sharing their experience and hoping that there might be something in there that will be useful for you.

Why this podcast?
I am so excited about this podcast!
Why?
Well, for several reasons…

1. It’s another new one for me and therefore for this blog.

2. It’s hosted by two midwives.
The first is Robin Lim, founder of Bumi Sehat health clinics in Indonesia. These vital clinics offer free prenatal care and birthing services to anyone who needs them.

The second is Deborah Flowers who works alongside the amazing Ina May Gaskin at The Farm in Tennesee.
(If you are not familiar with The Farm or Ina May Gaskin I beg you to click on the above link and do some serious reading. You’ll be so glad you did).

3. The fact that, after working together at a home birth in 2016, they decided to start Awakening Birth to –

“call attention to the care of mothers, babies and their families, and the sanctity of birth as a basic human right.”

How does it look?
The Awakening Birth podcast released its first episode towards the end of 2016 and there are in fact only seven episodes so far. What an amazing chance to join Robin and Deborah at the start of this journey!

As well as birth having the power to heal episodes have covered delayed cord clamping, the safety of home birth, introduction episodes to both hosts, choosing a care provider and ‘prenatal care not prenatal scare’.

Episode lengths range from just under nine minutes for the one I am going to feature to just over fifty with most of the seven being between twenty and thirty-five minutes long.

I have to say that it was not clear to me how often episodes are released but the website has so much great information and so many fantastic resources that checking in occasionally to see what’s new could only be a good thing.

Why this episode?
Well, I absolutely believe in the power of birth to heal and I was also curious how, in nine minutes, someone would be able to share two birth stories and highlight the healing power of one of them.

Who should listen to this episode?
Anyone who is expecting a baby, involved in birth work or just interested in the idea of birth as healing.

The episode
This episode features a New Zealand mother (who remains anonymous) sharing her two very different birth experiences.

Her oldest child was born in a hospital in New Zealand while her youngest was born at Bumi Sehat in Indonesia.

As you might have guessed it is almost impossible to share two full birth stories in nine minutes so what you glean from the mother’s story are elements of her two birth experiences and you really get a feeling for the very different atmosphere’s in both.

Hospital
A midwife led birth in a hospital setting that proved traumatic for this mother who had been sexually abused as a child. Her birth was so traumatic in fact that she experienced flashbacks to her childhood abuse.

Interestingly, she describes being supported by two beautiful midwives who were very supportive but who had a difficult job within the hospital system.

Part way into her labour all the sirens went off and the hospital went into lockdown.

Around this time she was also given thirty minutes to push her baby out or be taken in for a Cesarean.

She describes feeling like she was dying whilst pushing and screaming ‘like crazy’ to try and get her baby out before that half hour was up.

What an intense pressure, both physically and mentally that must have been.

Finally, she managed to push her baby out and avoided surgery.

She goes on to describe how insulted her husband felt when, after going through this traumatic experience with his wife, he was then asked, before going into the post labour room, to sign a form stating that he would not go into other women’s rooms, drink alcohol or walk around naked.

A stark contrast to the welcome he received at Bumi Sehat.

Bumi Sehat
This birth took place a full ten years after the first and the mother held a lot of fear about being nearly forty this time around.

Interestingly, she describes wanting to birth with a midwife but also wanting a whole lot of drugs to ‘knock her out’.
A big part of this was due to the traumatic hospital birth and the difficult memories of abuse that experience had brought up.

The mother talks about sitting down with Deborah and being helped through her fears and then goes on to say how beautiful, spiritual and life changing her birth experience was.

She describes entering Bumi Sehat with oil burning and stepping into a warm bath with flowers floating in the water. Her son held her hand with her husband sitting behind him. The sounds of nature filtered through during the night and the whole scene sounds so peaceful.

The mother talks about the amazing shift in energy as her daughter emerged and about being surrounded by love.

She goes on to say that her experience at Bumi Sehat had an overwhelmingly positive influence on all aspects of her life and that the beauty and peace she experienced there would go on influencing her for the rest of her life.

To wrap up
Although this was a slightly unusual episode and therefore a bit of a different post I loved how, even without sharing a whole lot of details, the important elements of her birth experiences came through.

I absolutely believe that with the right care providers and with a supportive, loving team you can have an amazing, empowering and loving birth in a hospital.

The key is to prepare (informationally, physically and emotionally) and to have the right people surrounding you.

Recently, I had the honour of supporting my first birth as a doula and saw first-hand how important (and wonderful) it is to have the right team there to love and fully support you.

Why this podcast?
Another new podcast this week! Well, it’s clearly not new because Babies and Moms: Birth and Beyond started broadcasting in March 2007 and aired the last episode in November 2013.

But, it’s new to me and that means it’s also new to this blog.

This podcast reminds me a little of Pea in the Podcast in that it is a small group of women, in this case, three, at ease and chatting with each other. Each of the hosts is a mother with very different experiences and I think many women will find someone or something they can connect with.

The first episode I listened to was about what new mums need and the first few minutes were taken up discussing a giant jar of Nutella someone had found at the supermarket. It was funny but it went on a bit long and I was impatient for them to get into the topic.

On the other hand, it was kind of nice to just listen to them talking and laughing and you felt like you somehow got to know them a bit.

Babies and Moms covers more baby and child rearing topics than it does pregnancy and birth but there are definitely some birth related topics in there too.

How does it look?
Episodes were released every week and are between twenty and thirty-five minutes long with a few lasting over an hour.

The podcast ran for over six years so there are A LOT of episodes to choose from.

Episodes often cover more than one topic so I’m going to give you a few episode titles as an idea:

Signing and Homemade Baby Food

Exercise with Baby and TV Watching

Family Dinner, Overscheduling and Getting Dinner on the Table

Colic, Reading with Kids and Family Night

Make Believe with Kids

Mattresses and SIDS

Preemies and What we Learn from Them

Baby Sleep

&

Having a Baby After 40

Why this episode?
I think we all know how beneficial breastfeeding is, for both mother and baby but somehow we still tend to think that it should just come naturally. That it should be easy from the get go.

Often though, it’s not.

Breastfeeding is a learning process for both mum and baby and I love the idea of an episode with some handy tips to help the process along.

Who should listen to this episode?
Anyone who is expecting a baby and planning to breastfeed.

Their partners.

Maybe even those who don’t think breastfeeding is for them. If you have tried before a struggled or just think it seems like a huge hassle this information might just make it seem like it’s worth a shot.

The episode
Board Certified Lactation Consultant Diane Francis is the guest on this episode and she begins by going into some of the newly discovered benefits of breastfeeding.

I’ll just mention three here but they are all pretty mind blowing.

– A study showed that four months of full breastfeeding would decrease the rate of hospitalisation of babies in the first year of life by 56%

– 21% of deaths of babies in the U.S. aged 12 months and under could be prevented if babies received ANY AMOUNT of breast milk.

– There is a substance in breast milk that is lethal to 40 different types of tumor cells. This may well be why children who are breastfed have lower rates of lymphoma and leukemia up until 15 years of age.

And, of course, breastfeeding is free.

In short, breastfeeding makes a lot of sense.

Most problems, Diane states, happen within the first few weeks.

So, how can new mums make it through those potential problems?

Milk Supply
I like that Diane talks about actual low supply versus perceived low supply.
It can be very hard to trust our bodies to make enough milk to nourish our babies but, generally, they can.

If a mum is really not making enough milk then she may need some professional support to help her get there.

Areas that might need looking into include:

– Glandular tissue – does the mum have enough?

– Oral problems in the baby eg tongue tie or problems with the palette.

– Was the baby premature? A baby’s sucking ability is not fully formed until about 38 weeks.

– Stress. You need to be pretty relaxed for your milk to flow.

Sore Nipples
Some things to check are:

– Positioning – a baby in a poor position simply cannot nurse effectively.

– Latch – a baby needs a good amount of the aureole as well as the nipple in their mouth to be able to feed.

– It could also just be that it’s very early days and having a baby latched on every hour or two for three or four days makes you sore. You should not, Diane points out, have cracked or bleeding nipples and the soreness should not last for more than a minute or so at the start of the feed.

A little soreness can be a part of early breastfeeding but should lessen with time.

Look for problems
-After let down, is my baby having to suck more than a couple of times before they swallow? If they are sucking five or six times before swallowing you may just be being used as a human pacifier.

– Too much milk. Can this be a problem? Yep. Babies whose mothers have a very high milk supply can end up with a lot of the thinner, foremilk and may be too full to get to the rich, high fat hindmilk. More frequent feeding could help here.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
Everyone is different and what works for someone else may not work for you. We have to learn to trust our bodies but, Diane says, we also have to learn to trust our babies.

Assuming your baby is full-term they will probably know when and how much they need to eat.

To wrap up
This episode is not a neat and tidy list of tips which is what I expected. It’s more of a conversation between the hosts and the expert and it was something I really enjoyed listening to.

If you are expecting, hopefully, parts of this episode will stay with you so that if once your baby arrives, you encounter breastfeeding issues, you know that there are multiple possibilities for why this is and that so many of them are fixable.

If you are struggling with breastfeeding right now I hope that this episode will give you some ideas on potential reasons as well as underlining that you are not alone.

Why this podcast?
I wanted to feature a podcast that I hadn’t featured before. Taking Back Birth is actually part of a website called Indie Birth. Indie Birth has some great pregnancy and birth related resources, from podcasts to blogs, courses and the wise woman circle.

When you land on the Indie Birth homepage you are greeted with this wonderful message –

“INDIE BIRTH IS A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION AND KNOWLEDGE FOR THE MODERN PREGNANT WOMAN WHO KNOWS THAT HER BODY AND HER BABY ARE WISE; AND FOR THE MODERN BIRTHKEEPER WHO BELIEVES IN THESE WOMEN AS MUCH AS WE DO.”

I love this so much it actually gave me shivers down my spine.

Yes! Women’s bodies and babies are wise and I wish we could all trust in that a bit more.

And, yes! As a birth doula, I absolutely believe in women and their power to birth.

How could I not pick an episode from this podcast?

How does it look?Most episodes last anywhere from thirty to forty-five minutes with a few lasting for well over an hour.

There doesn’t seem to be a super clear schedule for the release of episodes. Generally, there are two or three released each month but some months there is only one.

To be honest, it doesn’t really matter as there are already so many episodes out there for you to choose from.

Areas covered so far include nutrition in pregnancy, prenatal tests, how to decide who should be at your birth, how to deal with fear in pregnancy, unassisted birth, finding support after a C-Section, breech birth, the first few days with a newborn and 10 tips for an amazing postpartum.

Why this episode?
There are so many ways to prepare for birth and they often focus on the physical. Many childbirth classes teach us what is going to happen and about ways to manage discomfort, maybe we do prenatal yoga or pilates or perineal massage.

Those things are important but I really like the fact that this episode focuses more on preparing emotionally. Making sure you have time for yourself, space to think and that you create opportunities to do the things you love.

Who should listen to this episode?
Anyone who is pregnant, especially those with busy lives and it couldn’t hurt for your partner to listen too!

The episode
The host, Maryn Green, is a midwife and also has eight children. I think it’s fair to say that she has some experience to share.

I love that Maryn begins by saying that everyone is different and while some women will find that all of these steps will resonate with them, others will find that only a few do or even none.

That’s ok. There is no one size fits all for pregnancy and birth. Read, listen and take from it what works for you.

#1 – Feed your body
This one is simple but key.
Your body is doing some pretty amazing work and it needs a good base to work from.
There are plenty of resources out there to add to your own knowledge of foods that are beneficial during pregnancy.

#2 – Be in nature
Do your best to be out in nature as often as you can during your pregnancy.
Put your feet in the water, on the grass, in the mud.

It can be relaxing and with all the pregnancy hormones running wild, grounding.

“Just be with what is and what has been”

I love this. Feel the connection with nature and with all those women before you who have walked this path.

#3 – Learn about birth as much as YOU need to
There are so many resources and so much information around from so many different perspectives.
Find the ones that work for you. The ones that make you feel more, not less positive about your birthing journey.

#4 – Fifteen minutes of solitude
Every day.

Take some time to quiet your mind and connect with your baby.

When you are busy or have small children this can be tough. But it’s important.

Tip – you can combine this with your nature time or even, as Maryn has done, lock yourself in the bathroom!

Pray, sing, dance. Do whatever it is that connects you to something bigger than yourself, whatever that might be for you.

I think Maryn has a really good point that this can be important during pregnancy, especially looking ahead to birth. To feel that you are a part of a bigger picture and of all that has been before.

For some, this may feel a little ‘out there’ but again, just take what works for you and leave what doesn’t.

These are all ideas that you can mould into something that fits you and your life.

Nothing is set in stone.

#6 – Release that oxytocin
Do things that make you happy. Be with people that you love. Relax.
These are all ways to release the ‘love hormone’ and to leave less room for stress.

#7 – Spend time with your partner – alone
Again, with our busy lives, this isn’t always easy but if you are going to birth together and parent together you need to start with a solid foundation.

If you don’t have a partner talk to your mum or hang out with your best friend.

Talking through any conflicts, even small ones, is essential before labour and birth. Unresolved issues can have a negative impact on labour so use this time to talk and share your feelings.

#8 – Do your workFace your fears, your emotions, your traumas.

If you don’t, you could find that these surface and act as a blockage to a smooth, progressive labour and birth.

The tools you choose to help you work through these things will depend on you but, Maryn points out, feeling and acknowledging them is the first step.

#9 – Visualise your birth
No, we don’t have total control over birth. But, our minds are powerful and what we envision for our labour and birth can play a role.

It is fairly accepted that there is power in positive thinking and there is no reason that this should be different for birth.

Spend some time each day, maybe as part of your alone or nature time, and visualise the birth that you want. If you can, Maryn says, even try to feel it.

#10 – Reduce negativity, invite positivity
Protect yourself from all those negative birth stories and comments.
That doesn’t mean you have to avoid certain people but you can politely ask them not to share their negative stories.

Invite positivity into your life.

To wrap up
I think these ten ideas are wonderful ways to focus on your emotional well-being during pregnancy and to look ahead to a positive birth.

Not all of them will work for you. Take those that do and tweak or leave those that don’t.

I believe that many of these steps could be beneficial after your baby arrives too.

I would love to hear from you about the ways you found to focus on your own well-being during pregnancy.

Drop me a comment and let me know what you did to relax and invite joy and oxytocin in and how you worked to keep stress and negativity to a minimum.

Why this podcast?
It’s The Pregnancy Podcast again. Yep, I know, it features a lot but it’s great, so why not?
The host, Vanessa Merten, does all the research for you. All you need to do is tune in and listen to her break down, in a super simple and accessible way, everything you need to know.

Vanessa has a very relaxing voice and an easy style. All of the research is linked to in her show notes so that if you want to, you can explore the studies mentioned in more depth.

How does it look?
Each episode is thirty minutes or less and you also have the Q&A episodes which typically last only five to ten minutes.

A regular episode takes a specific topic like induction, ultrasounds, doulas, pumping, home birth, skin to skin or vaginal exams and explores them in more detail whilst the Q&A episodes focus on specific questions from listeners.

These episodes are a lot shorter and therefore less detailed but there is still a good overview given and again, studies are linked to if you want to explore further.

Why this episode?
I just love the idea of an episode for partners. Although this episode tends to refer to Dads, the info is handy for all partners.

From communication to hormones, sex and how you can support your pregnant partner during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum, this episode has it all.

Who should listen to this episode?
Pregnant women and their partners could both really benefit and it might be fun to listen to together.

The episode
Vanessa starts by acknowledging that whilst knowing you are about to become a parent is super exciting it can also be pretty overwhelming. Time is on your side however and you don’t need to get everything done in the first few weeks. Take a breath and prepare a little bit at a time.

Communication
This is huge. You and your partner need to be open with each other so that you both know what your preferences, expectations and worries are.

Being open and honest is key. You need to be a super strong team for when your baby arrives.

Worries are normal but pregnancy, birth and parenting are all pretty steep learning curves. You’ll become more knowledgeable every day and you have longer than you think to figure everything out.

Prenatal appointments
Go to as many as you possibly can, preferably all of them.

Not only will you be able to listen to your baby’s heartbeat (which might help to make it all a bit more real) but you’ll hear all the info firsthand and be a part of any decision-making.

You’ll also have the chance to ask questions or to raise any concerns you may have.

You get a designated driver (but it’s not a license to party)
During pregnancy it is especially important to be hydrated, eat healthily, exercise and sleep well. You can support your partner in making healthy choices and also help them to break any bad habits, like smoking.

Your partner will be avoiding alcohol for a while but this doesn’t mean you can go out and party every weekend! Make sure there are non-alcohol nights too so that your partner doesn’t feel left out (or source some really good alcohol-free beer or wine!).

Morning (or all day) sickness
Just have empathy. This side of pregnancy is pretty awful but it should pass by the second trimester.

Moods
Hormones can have a big effect on your partner’s mood. Again, this is normal (although maybe not lovely for you) but the worst should be over by the end of the first trimester.

Try not to take things personally and just understand that a lot of the time it’s the hormones talking (or shouting) and not your partner.

Bigger boobs?
Great!

But, look, don’t touch.

Yes, your partner may now have breasts which are significantly bigger than they were pre-pregnancy but they are probably pretty sensitive too. So, look but make sure you ask before you touch.

Zzzzzzzzz
Your partner may be tired, super tired. She may fall asleep on the sofa in the evenings or just go to bed really early. That’s normal and it won’t last forever. By the second trimester, she will probably have a lot more energy.

Enjoy your new-found me time and do some things you really want to do.

Your partner’s changing body
Some women love their pregnant bodies and some don’t.
Remind her that she is beautiful and that her body is doing an amazing thing; growing a tiny human!
If she seems insecure you can also reassure her that this is temporary and definitely worth it.

Sex? Yes, you can!
Again, hormones could mean that your partner is way more interested in sex than normal or way less.

If she is more interested, yey for you. You can’t hurt the baby so just enjoy.

If she is less interested just be understanding and again, it’s temporary.

Talk to your baby
I am so glad Vanessa mentions this!
Your baby can hear sounds and may respond to familiar sounds by moving around.

Talking to your baby is a great way to build your relationship with them before they are born and, after they are born, they will already be familiar with the sound of your voice.

This is wonderful for you because you will more easily be able to comfort your baby and your partner will benefit if she can leave the baby with you and catch up on some sleep.

Take a birth class together
You’ll know what to expect and be more relaxed when the time comes for your baby to make an appearance. If you are calm you will also be a better support for your partner.

You will also have the information you need in order to ask questions and make informed decisions in the event that birth takes an unexpected turn. Your partner may not be in the frame of mind to do this and so you need to be her advocate.

Time off
If you possibly can, take some time off after the birth. This can be a challenging time and having two parents at home is definitely preferable.

Push present
This one is interesting and whether or not this is relevant to you will partly depend on where you live.

You probably don’t want to get it wrong though.

Talk to your partner to see if this is something she wants to include. If she is expecting a gift after the birth get some hints to help you choose one.

Labour is a marathon (for you too)
Be rested, be present and be prepared to be her advocate.

If she is set on having an epidural as soon as possible, make sure she gets that.

If she wants an unmedicated birth make sure she is not being pushed towards unnecessary interventions. Remember, you can ask questions and ask for time to discuss things with your partner so that you know what she wants.

Have a birth plan
And write it together.
That way you will have a piece of paper with all of the birth preferences which you can refer back to during labour.

Discussing and creating a birth plan are also great ways for you and your partner to discuss your involvement and make sure you are on the same page.

If you are planning on sitting on a chair and holding your partner’s hand during the birth and they are envisioning you catching the baby it’s probably best to discuss that before the big day.

To wrap up
This episode is a fun one but also covers a lot of really useful information. I encourage you to listen to it in full and would love you to drop me a comment with your own experiences.

As a partner, what was the most surprising thing for you about pregnancy and birth?
What did you enjoy the most and what did you find the least appealing aspect of the experience?

As an expectant mum, what was the most helpful thing your partner did for you during your pregnancy or labour?

Why this podcast?
I’m featuring this podcast again because it’s a fun one to listen to. Apart from that, it also has a great range of topics to choose from and some really interesting info too.

Each episode features a group of women who are mothers, expecting or maybe both and it’s kind of like listening to a group of friends hanging out, chatting and often giggling as well.

Although there is a fun tone this podcast is definitely not just about cool maternity clothes and mocktails. Preggie Pals actually covers more serious subjects than not, including prenatal anxiety and depression, miscarriage and stillbirth & prenatal testing.

For more details about the podcast itself, you might want to check out my other posts featuring Preggie Pals, which you can find here and here.

How does it look?Episodes are released once a week and tend to be around twenty-five to forty-five minutes.
At the time of writing, there were nearly a hundred and fifty episodes so I’m sure you’ll be able to find a whole lot that grabs your attention.

Why this episode?
I love the idea of learning about ways to bond with your baby before they are even born and this episode also explores how important it is to be aware of how we, as expectant mothers, are feeling because our feelings are transferred to the baby.

Who should listen to this episode?
Anyone who is expecting, both mums and partners.

The episode
You have to go about eight minutes into the episode before they get into the subject of bonding with your unborn baby but one of the first things to come up is the unborn baby’s consciousness. The expert joining the Preggie Pals is Tracy Wilson Peters, a childbirth educator and author.

Tracy talks about how whatever feelings the mother experiences are also experienced by her unborn baby. She gives the example of stress. We know that we experience stress physically as well as emotionally. It seems that studies have found that the placenta acts as a kind of communication device for our emotions.

Tracy goes on to explain that whenever we experience a feeling, whether it be stress, happiness, sadness, whatever, molecules are released in our body. Examples of these can be adrenaline, cortisol or oxytocin.

These can all travel to the baby.

And, in the case of stress, that may not be such a good thing.

So, what can we do?
Take time each day to try to destress and to focus on the positives. Be around people who make you feel good and who bring you joy.

Fetal love breaks
Whilst talking and singing to your unborn baby is great, apparently, there is more you can do.

Take a break each day, yes, a fetal love break, to be quiet and focus on things that make you happy. Maybe sit outside in the sunshine or in a green, calm place. Listen to some music or practice meditation.

Anything, in short, that brings you joy.

Be aware of what that is and honour it.

What if I don’t feel connected to my baby?
This does not necessarily mean that anything is wrong, for instance, prenatal depression (although if that is what your instincts are telling you, listen to them and talk to a professional).

Tracy suggests that it could be that you simply need to take more time to focus on your baby and yourself. Be mindful of how much time you are really devoting to sitting quietly, doing something that makes you happy and focusing on your unborn baby.

Will my maternal instincts be stronger the more I bond with my baby?
A study in which faces were shown to pregnant women found that when those same faces were shown to them again towards the end of their pregnancy they were very aware of any little signs of anger or aggression on those faces. Signs they didn’t pick up on in the first trimester.

Just as our instincts get stronger and stronger during pregnancy the more time you take to bond with your baby and to focus on your own happiness, the more connected you will feel.

What are some ways I can bond with my unborn baby?Tracy shares some advice from her book, The Greatest Pregnancy Ever, on specific things you can do to help you bond.

And, yes, if you take the first letter from each of the title words below it spells out the word BOND.

Being
Having a positive attitude and being mindful will both help to lay the foundation for a joyful life. Look at your environment and the relationships you have in your life. Do you feel safe? Supported? Do you need to make changes?

Observing
Look at different aspects of your life and observe, question. Will my job be compatible with having a young baby? What about when my child is older or if I have more children?

If there are already raised eyebrows about you leaving work to attend prenatal appointments this may be a sign that they are not going to be happy for you to take time away after your baby comes along.

Look at the ways you can reduce stress and get the support that you need.

Nourishing
This is something to focus on during your second trimester.
Tracy points out that she is not referring to food when she talks about this kind of nourishment (although eating well in pregnancy is super important).

This is making sure you are nourishing yourself.

Are you happy with your care provider? Do you trust them? Can you be open with them?

What about your relationship with your partner? Working on that now is definitely better than trying to do so after your baby is born.

Deciding
There seem to be so many things that we have to decide on during pregnancy and the amount of information out there can be overwhelming.

I thought it was really interesting that Tracy said that she thought informed consent is simply not enough. It is also important to listen to your consciousness, to your instincts. Be aware of how you feel about something and of how you might feel afterwards. If that is a negative feeling, don’t ignore that, explore it.

Tracy’s book looks at exploring many different decisions surrounding pregnancy, birth and beyond and if you are interested in learning more I recommend taking a look at her website.

To wrap up
I found this episode super interesting in that it goes beyond the normal advice of singing and talking to your baby. As with everything, listen, learn and then take from it what works for you. There is no right and wrong way to bond with your unborn baby.

Singing and talking and just taking some quiet time to sit and place your hand on your belly will also send all those love hormones speeding towards your baby.

I’m curious if anyone has read this book and if they feel that these methods helped them to bond with their baby. Please drop me a comment!

Why this podcast?
I wanted to feature a podcast that I hadn’t listened to or written about in a while and I decided on this one. The other post featuring this podcast was about postpartum depression and is definitely worth a read.

I love the fact that The Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond Show comes from Australia as the vast majority of the podcasts I have discovered so far have been American. By the way, if you have recommendations for more international birth podcasts, I’d love to hear from you.

The podcast’s byline is –

”Bringing you the latest and ancient wisdom on maternity care and beyond and covering all things sacred women’s mysteries through news, interviews and great music.”

What’s not to love?

There are various hosts but the main ones are Annalee Atia, a certified Integrative Nutrition Health & Wellness Coach, trained plant-based chef, speaker and writer.

How does it look?
With around a hundred and twenty episodes there is definitely a good range to choose from. The podcast is actually a radio show broadcast each week and episodes have covered areas such as the emotional side of fertility issues, birth as a hero’s journey, mindfulness for peaceful parenting, breastfeeding after breast cancer, from couple to parenthood, abortion, pelvic health care, an Ayurvedic approach to pregnancy and postnatal well-being and cravings during pregnancy.

Why this episode?
The postpartum period, especially those first few weeks, is intense. You’re tired, you’re not sure exactly what your baby wants and if you’re breastfeeding it takes time to be confident that your baby is getting enough milk.

It can be pretty overwhelming.

And whilst this is normal, it isn’t something we necessarily expect.

I know I thought it would all be pretty straightforward and easy. I was absolutely going to be the most relaxed mum ever. It’s not rocket science, right?

But oh was I in for a surprise.

Now, I breastfed and it went fine. However, it was still a learning process for both my son and I and not just physically. I remember so clearly thinking how much more reassuring it would be to start with a certain amount of milk in a bottle and then see it empty at the end of a feed. To know exactly how much milk he was getting and that it was enough.

I’m pretty tidy (ok, slightly obsessively tidy) and the idea of just letting the house go and focusing totally on my baby was hard. Too hard. I didn’t do it. I tried to do everything I normally did AND look after a baby. Not a great plan.

And as for food, I clearly recall one night not even managing to heat a can of soup but eating chocolate spread on bread.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a wonderful time where you are falling in love with and getting to know your baby but it’s also hard.

Having friends, family and neighbours helping out so that you can focus on your baby can make such a difference.

Who should listen to this episode?
Probably everyone who is expecting and all of their friends and family!

The episode
The episode begins by addressing, in a very open and direct way, the fact that new parents, learning about their baby, operating on little sleep and being needed 24/7, are often in a state of stress and possibly not even thinking straight.

In that frame of mind, it’s so easy to doubt yourself.

The guest on this episode is midwife Jayne Alder. Jayne has been a nurse for over forty years, and a midwife for more than twenty. She is also a mother and grandmother.

I think it’s safe to say she has some experience in this field and now spends much of her time educating mothers about and supporting mothers during, the first three months of the postpartum period.

The fourth trimester as she likes to call it.

So, what are some of the misconceptions about life with a newborn?

Sleep
People think newborn babies sleep pretty much the whole time.
Newborns actually sleep in forty-five-minute cycles, the first twenty of which are a pretty light sleep.
Hopefully, they will then drift off into a deeper sleep but they may not.
When they are not sleeping (and often when they are) they will probably want to be close to you.

Lying inThis sounds like a pretty old-fashioned concept but it’s wonderful.
Jayne recommends staying home for two weeks after you birth your baby. Sure, go for some gentle walks around your neighbourhood but mainly, just hang out with your baby at home.

Sleep when your baby sleeps
If your baby is sleeping try and take a nap too. It’s not always easy, there are dishes, there’s laundry, the place is a mess, but those things can wait.

Better yet, visitors can do the dishes or hang the laundry or run the hoover around. Most people will remember how challenging this time can be and will be only too happy to help.

It’s ok to hold your baby
Your baby is also making a huge transition from life in the womb where it was dark, warm and snug to life in the big, bright world. Being close to you, smelling you, hearing your heartbeat and voice will all be incredibly reassuring.

The best thing to do, according to Jayne, is to try and make your home environment as womb-like as possible. Low lights, quiet, lots of time just cuddling and feeding.

Rushing around, cleaning and running errands do not a womb-like atmosphere make but might go a long way toward giving you an unsettled baby.

Talk to your family if they are nearby or friends and neighbours if they’re not. See if people can help out by bringing over meals, doing a bit of shopping or helping with some household tasks.

A note from me, encourage your partner to talk to your baby often during your pregnancy. That way the baby will also find their voice comforting and you can grab a nap while they hold the baby.

BreastfeedingIf you can, Jayne suggests letting your baby find the breast themselves. After the birth, your baby can be put on your chest and most of the time, they will find your breast and latch on without too much interference.

Lying on your side to feed your baby can be very relaxing (especially if sitting up is not comfortable after birth). The more relaxed you are the better breastfeeding will go. If you follow safe co-sleeping guidelines you can also just stay in bed with your baby once they have finished feeding and have drifted off to sleep and you can catch some sleep too.

Rest, by the way, will help your milk supply.

On the flip-side, if you feel that breastfeeding is not going well then seeking help and getting the right support is key.

There’s no right way to do anything
What works for someone else won’t necessarily work for you and vice versa.
I love that Jane goes on to ask new mothers to follow their own instincts. This isn’t something that is always easy to do but try.

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.

If you feel you need help, ask for it.

“It takes a village to raise a child”

How can I prepare for my fourth trimester?
– Organise or ask a friend to organise, a meal train.
– If people ask you how they can help, tell them.
– Arrange for someone to come regularly and take your older children out for a few hours.
– ASK FOR HELP.

How can I help someone who has just had a baby?
Apart from making meals that can be thrown into the freezer, a great rule is this –

If you are visiting someone with a newborn don’t sit there while they get you a drink.

Get your own drink and get them one while you’re at it.

Make them a snack.

Do any dishes you see.

Hold the baby while the mother has a shower.

Tidy a little.

Ask HOW you can help not IF you can help.

Little things mean a lot.

To wrap up
Those first few weeks and months after your baby arrives are a very special, unique time. It’s a wonderful but also a challenging time.

Your life changes so much and it’s so tempting to try and do everything that you used to do but don’t.

I love the concept of a fourth trimester. The first months are a huge transition for both you and your baby.

Treat it like the special time that it is. See your home as a cocoon, a nest. Make cuddling and feeding your baby the point of your day.

I wish I had done more of that.

I’d love to hear from you about your experiences postpartum. Did you have lots of help? What was the best thing someone did for you? Did you do everything yourself? How was that?

Why this podcast?
It’s World Breastfeeding Week – how could I not feature a breastfeeding podcast?

The podcast is actually part of a website called The Breastfeeding Center of Ann Arbor which is a fantastic breastfeeding resource whether you are looking for tips on feeding, looking to take a lactation training or wondering how you are going to manage to breastfeed once you are back at work. There are even links to blogs, youtube videos, apps and lots more. It really is a very comprehensive resource for, well, all things breastfeeding.

The host of the All Things Breastfeeding podcast is Barbara Robertson who also owns The Breastfeeding Centre of Ann Arbor. Barbara’s resume is impressive, to say the least. She has an MA in Curriculum Development in Education, is an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) and has over seventeen years experience helping mums and babies resolve breastfeeding issues.

How does it look?
I will be completely honest and say that I have only listened to one episode so far but that I really liked the clear, organised way in which it was presented.

Episodes are released every other week and most seem to be twenty-five to forty-five minutes long. Areas covered so far include working and breastfeeding, nipple pain, tongue tie, breastfeeding and medications, breastfeeding stories, milk supply and nursing strikes.

Why this episode?
Whilst I have written a post about breastfeeding before, I tend to focus on pregnancy and birth related episodes. I figured that an episode about breastfeeding your newborn would be a nice bridge between birth and breastfeeding.

I remember so well that, with my first child, I had so many questions and concerns those first few weeks of our breastfeeding journey and this episode addresses many of those in a really simple, clear and reassuring way.

Who should listen to this episode?
Anyone who is expecting a baby (especially if it is your first) and is planning to breastfeed. I really recommend that both the mother and partner listen as the knowledge on offer here means the partner will be able to reassure the mother while her breastfeeding confidence grows.

The episode
This episode features Barbara Robertson and Barb, the podcast’s co-host.
The episode is structured in a question and answer style between the two hosts and they get straight into the subject at hand.

There isn’t a whole lot of chatting, it’s very focused on getting into and answering the listener’s question. I guess whether this is a positive or negative thing will depend on your personal taste.

For me, it worked just fine and I can imagine, that for a new mum with not a whole lot of extra time, a podcast that gets right to the point might be exactly what she is looking for!

The question
A listener with a three-week old baby who breastfeeds a lot has been told by her family that her baby must still be hungry if they are feeding so often.

How, she asks, do I approach this and how do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?

I knew at this point that I had chosen the right episode to feature.

When you are still getting to know your baby and getting the hang of feeding, it’s so hard to be confident that they are getting enough milk.

I wish this episode had been around seven years ago, I think it would have really helped me.

The answer
Barbara and Barb actually break down their answer into two areas.

How to tell by looking at the baby and how to tell by looking at the mother.

Before they get into that though, they highlight the fact that many family members may well have experience with formula fed babies who tend to feed every three hours and eat pretty much the same amount at each feed.

I was so happy to hear the two Barbara’s underline that it simply doesn’t work this way with breastfed babies.

Babies who are breastfed can feed fourteen times a day or more if they are cluster feeding.

They (like adults are supposed to do) eat small meals frequently. Sometimes they snack in between and sometimes they might get thirsty and want a drink.

This is all perfectly normal and totally ok.

How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk

If you can’t see how much is going in, look at what’s coming out
Checking how many wet and how many dirty nappies your baby produces can be a simple way of telling whether or not they are getting enough milk. The episode goes into detail about how many wet and dirty nappies you should expect but I’ll let you listen to that later.

Is your baby alert?
Newborns tend to sleep……..a lot. However, even newborns should have some time each day where they are alert. Awake. Present.
Babies who are floppy or lethargic could be a cause for concern.

What should a feed look like?
Your baby should be actively breastfeeding with deep chin drops. This is a good indication that they are getting the milk out of your breast and into their tummies.

How long should a feed take?
Babies feed for different lengths of time but Barbara underlines that most will take at least ten to fifteen minutes to finish a breast.

After they are done with one breast, wake them up a little, maybe a nappy change or burping and then offer the other breast. If they’re hungry they’ll go for it.

If not, that’s fine. Either way, just start with the last side at the next feed.

Look at the hands
At the beginning of the feed, your baby will most likely be pretty tense, making tight little fists with their hands. As the feed progresses they will relax more and more and may be in a deep sleep by the end. Even if they are still awake, if they are satisfied, they should be nice and relaxed.

The episode also goes into hunger cues that you can look for in your baby. Hint: crying is a very late hunger cue and it’s better to begin feeding before that point if you can.

Is your baby gaining weight?
Depending on where you live you will most likely have regular appointments to talk to an expert and to check your baby’s weight. Gaining weight is possibly the clearest indicator that your baby is getting enough milk.

Your breast gets softer
As your baby feeds the milk moves out of your breast and the breast will get softer and feel emptier.
Massaging your breast during the feed can help to move the milk out and helps you be aware of any changes in your breast that could need investigating.

The episode continues with a regular piece – ‘Breastfeeding in the News’ but before that, a really important point is made about weight loss.

It’s totally normal for babies to lose a little weight in the first few days and then for their weight to increase again as breastfeeding is established.

If you have had IV fluids during labour, however, some of that fluid can go to your baby and their weight will be higher.

As that fluid leaves their body it can look like they have lost a significant amount of weight whereas, actually, it is just excess fluid. Be aware that sometimes, mothers are pushed into supplementing with or switching to formula because care providers are concerned that this weight loss is due to the baby not getting enough breastmilk.

Last but not least, how do you respond to family asking if you’re “feeding that baby again?”

According to Barbara –

“Just smile and say yes, I am feeding that baby again”

To wrap up
I really encourage all expecting parents who are planning to breastfeed (and maybe also those who are not) to listen to this episode.

We probably all know of the amazing benefits to both mother and baby of breastfeeding but it’s not always so clear that the beginning of that journey is a real learning process.

You are getting to know your baby and learning to trust your instincts at the same time.

Seven years ago, this episode would definitely have given me, as a first-time mum, an invaluable head start.

I would love to hear about your breastfeeding journeys. How did you find those first few days and weeks? What helped you? What didn’t?

]]>http://www.yourdoula.se/2017/08/03/breastfeeding-your-newborn/feed/0So, What About AFTER You Have The Baby?http://www.yourdoula.se/2017/07/27/so-what-about-after-you-have-the-baby/
http://www.yourdoula.se/2017/07/27/so-what-about-after-you-have-the-baby/#respondThu, 27 Jul 2017 20:03:15 +0000http://www.yourdoula.se/?p=926

I absolutely love how open and relaxed it feels and am excited to share this resource with new mums and mums to be.

Episodes last anywhere from half an hour to over an hour and are released weekly.
Episode titles include –

“Whatever You’re Feeling, it’s Ok and it’s Normal”

“There is no Always or Never – Listen to Your Baby”

“Learning to Receive Support”

“The Postpartum Body and The Difficulty of Not Knowing”

“This is Impossibly Hard and You Actually ARE Doing a Good Job”

and

“You Know Your Baby Better Than Anyone Else”

I really love how supportive and non-judgemental this podcast is and I think it could make a big difference for any mums out there feeling lost or overwhelmed.

Why this episode?
The episode I am going to write about features Bryn Huntpalmer, the host of The Birth Hour podcast. My first ever post on this blog just happened to feature an episode from The Birth Hour so it seemed a good place to start.

Also, as I’m such a fan of podcasts, one podcast host interviewing another podcast host was just too good to miss!

The episode
We recently spent a few days with family a couple of hours north of Stockholm and on the way home I listened to three Postpartum Podcast episodes in a row (my two-year-old was, for once, asleep). Although I loved how relaxed the conversations were I also felt that they lacked structure and wasn’t sure quite how I was going to write this blog post.

At some point though I realised that there actually was a structure and that Kellie had certain questions that she asked each guest. The fact that I had missed this to start with maybe just goes to show how well these conversations flow.

In fact, it works so well that I think I will structure this post in the same way.

Introduce yourself
After a brief introduction, Kellie begins by asking Bryn to tell the listeners a bit more about herself and her family. Among other things, Bryn is a mother of two, a podcaster and a blogger.

What was your work situation, postpartum?
I think this question is so important. Whether or not you work and what kind of job and hours you have can have a big impact on your postpartum time.

Bryn was in graduate school and her husband is law school when their daughter was born. She was able to go back to classes and her part-time job with a fair amount of flexibility but this is not the case for everyone. Hearing how others handled a situation that might reflect your own and knowing that you are not alone in your experience could be incredibly helpful.

I also loved that Bryn shared an experience she had three weeks postpartum. She attended an interview with a panel of very high-level members of her community. Having so recently birthed her baby (in her living room no less) she says she was not intimidated at all.

Experiencing birth and seeing just what your body can do can be very empowering.

Birth story
This is the point where the guests are asked about their birth stories. What kind of birth experience you have and how you feel about it can have a huge impact on your postpartum period, both physically and emotionally and I am so glad that this question gets asked.

Bryn had home births with both of her children, the first of which lasted thirty-four hours and ended with a pretty severe tear and a retained placenta.

BUT….

Bryn talks about how comfortable she was with her midwife and how that meant that afterwards, although her physical recovery was tough, emotionally she felt great.

Working with a care provider who you feel comfortable with and who truly supports you and your wishes is huge.

What advice would you give to someone about to give birth?
This question is double edged for me. On the one hand, advice, however well intended, can be harmful. On the other hand, if you can listen to advice through a filter and simply take what works for you and what fits you and your unique situation, then advice can be great.

During pregnancy, people are so quick to give advice or share their birth stories (the terrible ones are always the first to be shared, of course) that it can be overwhelming and really have an impact on how you feel about your own upcoming birth.

Be honest with yourself and if you think your filter is not the best and that you’d rather not have people give advice or share their birth stories, gently ask them not to.

The advice Bryn gives is to do your research so that you know what kind of birth options are out there and to make sure you are with a care provider you can trust.

Thank you, Bryn, great advice!

What was the best thing about your postpartum period?
This is so different for everyone and that’s why this question is so important.
Bryn underlines the confidence she gained from giving birth and being a mum and also talks about the overwhelming love (and worry) she has for her children.

What was the hardest thing?
Also a great question and one which, hopefully, will reassure new mums that they are not alone in what they are experiencing.

Bryn says that what she found hard was breastfeeding.

I love that she was open about this. Yes, breastfeeding is natural but that doesn’t mean it comes naturally or easily. Both mum and baby are learning how the whole thing works and it can take some time.

Reaching out and finding the right support, both from the start and if you are having problems, can make all the difference.

What helpful thing could someone do for a friend who just had a baby?
Love, love, love this question!
Of course, not all of the suggestions will suit everyone but there will definitely be some good ideas.

Bryn mentions that someone she had only met a few times at a La Leche League meeting, who had a baby nine months older than Bryn’s, brought dinner over for them, chatted for a while and afterwards sent Bryn some breastfeeding resources that had been helpful for her.

Bringing food (and not necessarily expecting to be invited in) can be oh so helpful to brand new parents.

What would you like to say to mums who are in the postpartum period right now?

“Give yourself a break and know that you are not alone”

This advice is pure gold. It sounds so simple but those first few weeks and months can be pretty overwhelming and it can be very easy to doubt yourself and to think that you are the only one who feels this way.

To know that you are not could be very reassuring.

To wrap up
Whether you are expecting your first baby, have a newborn or an older baby, The Postpartum Podcast will definitely be a great resource to dip into.

Sometimes, just hearing that other mums are experiencing the same situations, doubts and worries that you are can be enough.

We don’t always need answers. Sometimes we just need to know that we are not alone.